𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | (𝐆)𝐈-𝐃𝐋𝐄

𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬'𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐭. 2

I still can't quite wrap my head around what happened. Miss Soyeon booked me a room in that hotel-and not just any room. It was beautiful, luxurious, like something out of a dream. I stayed for two nights, completely spoiled, and honestly, I didn't want to leave.

She thought of everything. From the welcome note left on the table to the little surprises in the room-like my favorite snacks and a lavender pillow spray I'd mentioned in passing once-everything screamed her attention to detail. She didn't have to do any of it, but she did. And that meant something to me. Something I couldn't quite name yet.

Now here we are-tonight-in a place I never imagined I'd step into: a club.

Soyeon had said she wanted to drink. She didn't say why. And though clubs aren't my scene, I said yes, because she wanted company. Because if something's bothering her, I'd rather be near than far.

It's my first time in this kind of place. The lights are loud, the music louder, and bodies sway together like they're all dancing to the same pulse. I don't drink-never liked the taste-but I sit with her anyway, watching her sip a cocktail, eyes distant.

She looks good. Really good. Her hair is tousled in that casual, effortless way, her makeup flawless, her eyes shining under the neon lights. Even sitting still, there's something magnetic about her.

Maybe it's the alcohol. Or maybe I'm just in deep.

She suddenly snaps her fingers in front of me. I blink, caught staring. Her lips curve into something close to a smirk.

"You okay?" she asks, a soft laugh escaping her. It's the first time I've seen her laugh like that-soft and unguarded. It stirs something in me.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just... zoned out," I mutter, trying not to fidget.

She raises a brow. "Sure about that?"

I nod, cheeks warming. "It's nothing, Miss Park."

She doesn't push. Just hums, going back to her drink. And for a moment, we're quiet.

Then-

"Yuqi!"

I turn, recognizing the voice instantly. "Lucas?"

He beams, arms open as he pulls me into a tight hug. "Still as beautiful as ever, princess."

"Yah! Stop calling me that," I laugh, swatting at him. "You're still as cheesy as ever."

We catch up, the way old friends do-fast, effortless, full of teasing. I don't notice how close we're standing, how much we're laughing, until I feel eyes on me. I glance over.

Soyeon is watching. Arms crossed, jaw tight, eyebrows raised.

Oh.

"Lucas, this is Miss Park Soyeon-my boss," I say quickly. "Miss Park, this is Lucas. He's-"

"I'm going to the dance floor," she cuts in, standing up before I can finish.

"Miss Soyeon-" But she's already walking away, disappearing into the crowd and lights.

Lucas whistles low. "Yikes. Your boss is jealous."